20 fun and cool things to do that make Charleston one of a kind

Whether you're looking for cool activities, US history, or fun things to do with kids, Charleston has a lot to offer. This South Carolina city is home to great coastal excursions and activities for all ages. From culinary explorations to wildlife-watching trips, our list of fun and unique things to do in Charleston list is designed to give you some ideas to turn your romantic, solo, or family trip into a vacation you won't forget.

Fun things to do in Charleston as a couple

1. Head out to Folly Beach on a stand-up paddleboard

Get a crash course in stand-up paddleboarding at one of Charleston's most scenic beach destinations. Folly Beach is an easy-going spot with gentle river paddling in turtle, ray, and dolphin-filled waters.

Highlights:

See if you can spot the Morris Island Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in South Carolina. The structure is particularly impressive as night falls over Charleston.

Address and opening hours:

87 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA.

2. Cruise Charleston Harbor at sunset

View the Charleston waterfront from the water with a romantic evening aboard a harbor cruise boat. You'll enjoy sunset vistas of the historic Battery, Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter.

Highlights:

Fort Sumter is the site of the first shots of the American Civil War. When you're back on dry land this piece of US history is well-wroth visiting.

Address and opening hours:

40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA.

3. Enjoy a walk through Boone Hall's Avenue of Oaks

The lead-up to the historic Boone Hall Plantation goes through a beautiful archway of oak tree branches. As well as a beautiful place to explore, Boone Hall is one of America's oldest working plantations and was once home to 250+ enslaved people. Gain a deeper understanding of this dark but poignant part of American history with a guided tour of the property.

Highlights:

Many movies and TV shows were shot at Boone Hall, including The Notebook and Days of our Lives.

Address and opening hours:

1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, United States. Boone Hall is open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Sunday, 12:00 PM-5:00 PM.

4. Explore King Street & the French Quarter

Charleston was originally a walled city, and within those walls lies the French Quarter, so named for the high concentration of French merchants in the area's history. The area is home to many historic landmarks such as the colorful Rainbow Row and the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. King Street runs through the French Quarter, and is where you'll find lots of Charleston's best hotels and rooftop bars.

Highlights:

Rainbow Row might be the most beautiful street in Charleston with its 13 pastel-painted Georgian-style rowhouses dating from 1748 to 1845.

Address and opening hours:

King St, Charleston, SC, USA.

5. A sunset date night at Mount Pleasant

Chase the sunset complete with a picnic basket and utensils. Follow the shoreline of Mount Pleasant to Goldbug Island or Sullivan's Island, home to spectacular views over the Folly Island Channel.

Highlights:

Hire a bike or take a guided tour from Charleston to Mount Pleasant. Head to the Ocean Walk at Pitt Street Bridge Park for a romantic stroll.

Address and opening hours:

1470 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA.

Fun things to do in Charleston with kids

6. Set sail on a dolphin-watching adventure

Charleston Harbor and Folly Island are popular spots to see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Animal-loving children will love spotting these playful creatures as they dart and chase the wake of your boat.

Highlights:

Many of the dolphin watching tours take off from Folly Beach, which is a popular spot for families looking to enjoy some sun, sea, and sand in South Carolina.

Address and opening hours:

87 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA. Tour times and dates vary.

7. Run wild at Magnolia Plantation

This grand 500-acre plantation was founded in 1676. Aside from its historic main estate, the grounds boast petting zoos, boggy boardwalk trails, and a nature trail to excite the little ones. The Magnolia Plantation's history is also entwined with slavery, so it's a great opportunity to teach your kids about this important part of America's past.

Highlights:

This is America's oldest public garden. Set your little ones on a wildlife-watching adventure, spotting alligators, turtles, and snakes in the lakes. Visit the four restored and preserved enslaved cabins are still present on the property.

Address and opening hours:

Charleston, SC 29414, United States.

8. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of Charleston

Transport yourselves back in time as you take a tour in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage. This is among the best things to do in Charleston, offering a magical experience and orientation of Charleston's cobblestoned center.

Highlights:

Visit classic sights like Charleston Harbor, Charleston Battery, and the Old City Market. Kids will love the well-groomed and cared-for draft horses.

Address and opening hours:

14 Anson St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA. Tours are available daily from 9:00 AM.

9. See where the city was settled at Charles Towne Landing State Park

The English settled Charles Towne Landing in 1670 for its protected, riverfront location. Now a state park, the area is a treat for families, with pilgrim playgrounds, leafy trails, and replica settler ships.

Highlights:

Picnics and rental bikes are the perfect way to explore Charles Towne Landing State Park.

Address and opening hours:

1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407, United States. Open daily, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

10. Explore the ramparts of Fort Sumter

History buffs will want to explore the fort that kicked off the Civil War's first battle on April 12, 1861. Fort Sumter is located on an island in the middle of Charleston Harbor, you will need to catch a ferry to reach it.

Highlights:

Once there, your kids can explore the remaining cannons and gun holes overlooking the scenic harbor. Only authorized tours are allowed to visit the island, so make sure you organize your visit in advance!

Address and opening hours:

South Carolina 29412, United States. Open daily, 9 AM-5 PM. Ferries depart from Liberty Square or Patriot's Point.

Fun things to do in Charleston on your own

11. Go stall hopping at Charleston City Market

Occupying a scenic open-air building in the heart of Downtown Charleston, the City Market has been attracting busy buyers since 1804. There's a great mix of typical tourist stalls, local artisan goods, and South Carolina street food.

Highlights:

This is the perfect place to browse on your own and pick up some souvenirs. Its night market is geared more towards arts and crafts for those looking for something special.

Address and opening hours:

188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States. Open daily, 9:30 AM-5:30 PM. Night market every Friday and Saturday, 6:30 PM-10:30 PM.

12. Join a historic walking tour

Just because you're on your own doesn't mean you can't enjoy a guided tour. Get insight into the historical sites of Charleston while visiting its major landmarks with an expert guide.

Highlights:

A walking tour is a great introduction to Downtown Charleston. You'll hear engaging stories of Charleston's local legends and sights from an enthusiastic local.

Address and opening hours:

108 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA. Tours are available daily at 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM.

13. Get a sense of local history at the Charleston Museum

The Charleston Museum is one of the USA's oldest museums. It is packed with artifacts from the colonial and Civil War periods. It was founded in 1773 and remains a beacon for the city's heritage, history, and culture.

Highlights:

Museum highlights include exhibits on America's turbulent wars and the lives of Lowcountry enslaved people.

Address and opening hours:

360 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Sunday, 12:00 PM-5:00 PM.

14. Join the monthly Art Walk

Charleston Gallery Association organizes a walk of the city's galleries and openings on the first Friday of every month. If you're lucky enough to arrive for one of these walks, it's a fun and friendly thing to do solo as you can speak to artists and enthusiasts.

Highlights:

The Art Walk get you up-close to Charleston's latest artsy happenings. You may well end up returning home with a piece for your wall.

Address and opening hours:

Locations vary. Art Walks every first Friday of the month, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM.

15. Remember Charleston's dark history at the Old Slave Mart

Charleston was once a major slaving center, and it holds many memorials of this dark past. None are more affecting than the Old Slave Mart, the open-air market where African people were bartered and sold.

Highlights:

Join a guided tour that put Charleston's slaving history in context. You'll visit harrowing sites like the Old Slave Mart and hear stories of perseverance and pioneers.

Address and opening hours:

6 Chalmers St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Fun things to do in Charleston if you like food and drink

16. Chow down on Lowcountry classics

Enjoy finger-licking South Carolina flavors at Charleston's favorite local eateries and hidden gems. Stroll through its best markets and vendors, and enjoy unique dishes in the city's best restaurants.

Highlights:

You'll savor local dishes like fried oysters, green tomatoes, and grits—food that's packed with local history and culture as well as taste.

Address and opening hours:

99 S Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA.

17. Explore Charleston's Prohibition-era speakeasies

Prohibition was active in Charleston between 1920 and 1933, which meant that the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol was banned. This only fueled the sale of illegal alcohol, and several underground speakeasies sprung up to serve the thirsty state. Today, you can visit one of the city’s many cocktail bars to honor this period of US history.

Highlights:

Prohibition Charleston provides a nod to this era with its vintage 1920s decor and range of cocktails and bites.

Address and opening hours:

200 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA.

18. Visit the large Charleston Tea Garden

The Charleston Tea Garden is the country's only large-scale tea plantation. Tour its scenic grounds, visit the factory, and relax with a fine cup of tea in the sunshine.

Highlights:

Charleston's Wadmalaw Island is blessed with the right climate for both tea and wine production. Head to Deep Water Vineyard with a visit to the Charleston Tea Garden.

Address and opening hours:

6617 Maybank Hwy, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487, United States. Gardens are open daily, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, and from noon on Sunday.

19. Experience a ghostly nighttime tour

Tour Downtown Charleston's historic French Quarter on a ghost tour. You'll stop at several bars en-route with spine-tingling tales of Charleston's past. It's one of the best things to do in Charleston at night.

Highlights:

Visit graveyards, execution sites, and centuries-old homes for ghostly tales as you meander through the French Quarter. Afterwards stop for a drink at one of the city's bars to take the edge off.

Address and opening hours:

160 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA. Tour dates vary, starting at 8:00 PM.

20. Take an excursion into the Lowcountry

The Lowcountry consists of the marshy, low-lying sea islands that surround Charleston. Its cuisine is marked by its local produce and culture, from creamy she-crab soup and hearty gumbo stew to crowd-pleasing pecan pie.

Highlights:

The Lowcountry is the heart of the Gullah culture. Here West and Central African and Caribbean influence rice-based cuisine, music, crafts, and traditions.

Address and opening hours:

23 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Charleston at night?

As a city bubbling with a dark history, and ghost tours are a great way to hear about Charleston's tumultuous past. For romantic and relaxing excursions, head out on a cruise for sunset views of Charleston Harbor. Nighttime in Charleston is full of possibilities.

Are there any fun day trips from Charleston that I should consider?

Charleston is surrounded by coastal excursions. You can take a day trip to Kiawah Island or Myrtle Beach for pale, sandy shorelines and relaxing picnics. For history, Boone Hall, Magnolia Plantation, and Drayton Hall all provide good days out with sprawling gardens and ornate, period-furnished interiors.

What are some fun things to do in Charleston, SC when it's raining?

Raining on your Charleston vacation? No problem. Why not check out the Charleston Museum or visit any of the city’s many historic landmarks? Locations like the Magnolia Plantation and Boone Hall offer guided house tours so you can keep dry and learn about Charleston’s rich and turbulent history.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Charleston?

When it comes to family fun, it doesn't get more thrilling than a dolphin-watching cruise. Stop at Folly Beach to comb for fossils and shark teeth, or head to the Isle of Palms for family-friendly beach sports.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Charleston?

Charleston's beaches and marshy swamps provide hours of fun during the warm summer months. You can learn to paddle board at scenic Folly Island or kayak along the winding waterways of Sham Creek. For the full swamp experience, Magnolia Plantation's Audubon Swamp Garden is a fine place to spot alligators and snakes in the wild.